A hotelier accused of arson may represent herself at her trial later this month.

Shirley Bothroyd is a former Inland Revenue barrister who was running the Bay Hotel in Teignmouth until her arrest in August.

She is due to stand trial at Exeter Crown Court in two weeks’ time accused of threatening to commit criminal damage and arson.

The alleged arson was at a property on the other side of the road from her hotel in South View, Teignmouth.

Bothroyd, aged 59, of South View, Teignmouth, denies making the threats on August 21, 2017 and starting the fire on August 22.

She appeared before Judge Geoffrey Mercer, QC, for a pre-trial hearing at which she was not represented.

She told the judge she hoped to appoint a barrister before the trial date of January 29, but will represent herself if she cannot do so.

She said: ‘I have been a barrister for 30 years and was counsel to the Inland Revenue for many years. I will represent myself if I have to.’

Bothroyd was remanded in custody to await the trial.